The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk VIN # question

Hi:
I am trying to decode my new to me 1953 GMC 3600 VIN number but I am having difficulties. In my mind chevy and GMC have used the same codes but I guess I am wrong since my VIN starts with the letter "B" and so far based on what I see on this website and others I am not having much luck. Any help would be appreciated.
VIN B228480406
Serial number 152 22 C 5254
Also, if the VIN is based on the engine block, My engine block which seems has been changed, has a lot shorter number: F0306J. What does that tell me?
Thanks

oldGMCtrucks.com is an excellent discussion board.

It was established by Rob Englsh - here is Rob's website.

Here is information on how do decode the old GMC Engine Serial Number and Vehicle Serial Number.

GMCs' codes are significantly different in style/content from Chevrolet codes.

B228480406 is the Engine Serial Number
228 engine (with B-type out-of-perfect factory-modifications to the block)

152 22 C 5254 is the Vehicle Serial Number for a 150 series 3/4 ton truck (assembled in California) with a 228 engine.

Post a pic of your engine. That number looks like a Chevy (not GMC).

Here is a picture of the engine.

F0306J is not a GMC code - it is a Chevrolet engine code.

That is a Chevrolet engine valve cover (late 1955 or later 235/261).

Post your codes from the locations shown on this page.
1. Engine Serial Number
2. Block casting code
3. Block date casting code
4. Head casting code
5. Head date casting code

We know it's a 1957 or newer Chevrolet engine because there is no serial number prefix attached to the engine code...

Engine Code = F0306J

F = Flint
03 = Month
06 = Day
J = 3000 Series Truck from 1957 thru 1962

Mike B

If your 1953 GMC is a 3/4-ton, then it is a 150, not a 3600, as GMC's series/model number system is also different than Chevrolet's. A GMC 1/2-ton is 100, 3/4-ton is 150, 1-ton is 250, etc.

The Canadian GM truck numbering system from that time period makes more sense than the US system... sorry, I digress.

As far as your VIN / Title goes, you may be in for some trouble since the VIN you gave is an Engine Number and the truck no longer has that engine... Many of us on this board have been done that road, and it's really no fun at all. Hopefully you can get that resolved without much blood shed. Each state handles that situation differently, and it may as simple as a form or affidavit completed by the seller explaining why the vin on the truck does not match the title. Engine swaps are very common and sometimes the paper trail breaks down. Good luck. If this is not your problem/question, then sorry for troubling the waters.

Your best source for sound, correct, legal info about this is your state's auto licensing agency/ DMV.

In case the information at the links that I gave above to the oldGMCtrucks sites are confusing:

B228480406 Engine Serial Number
B = +0,005 overbore, -0.010" off the crankshaft main bearing journals, and standard crankshaft rod journals
228 = 228 CI GMC engine
80406 = sequence number
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/EngineSpecs_Pg1G.gif
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/page0010.html

152 22 C 5254 Vehicle Serial Number
15 of 152 = 3/4 ton
2 of 152 = 125.25" wheelbase
C = 1953
5254 = sequence number in 1953
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/page0015.html

Thanks you very much.

A slight correction...
15 = 150 series or 3/4 ton
2 = 125.25" wheelbase
C = Oakland CA assembly plant
5254 = the 4,254th 3/4 ton chassis off the Oakland line in the '51-53 model run

Thanks, Rob